CHRISTMAS R
in Northumberland
GIFT GUIDE INSPIRATION FOR ALL THE FAMILY
OH NO THEY DIDN’T!
PANTO SEASON HAS ARRIVED
FESTIVE EVENTS WHAT’S ON IN NORTHUMBERLAND
FREE
NE TAKE O PLEASE 1
GET THE
POWER!
9 317 020 Call me, Terrie Pridie, now on 0739 ey.co.uk or visit www.getpowerofattorn A registration fee is payable to the Court of Protection for each LPA. The maximum fee is £82, but some people are entitled to a reduction or exemption depending on their financial status. I charge a separate fee of just £150 per LPA to prepare all the documents on your behalf and provide you with complete peace of mind that your affairs are in order - regardless of your age or circumstances. Terrie Pridie
• No VAT or hidden costs. • Home visits as standard. • No health or financial information required. • Application for reduced registration fee prepared for no additional charge. • Fully qualified solicitor with 18 years’ experience, currently non-practising.
A reduced registration fee or exemption applies depending on income and to recipients of certain types of benefits. Visit our website for full details.
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www.bedlingtonshiredental.co.uk
Welcome to Christmas in Northumberland a special festive publication brought to you by ABC Magazines. Inside this special edition, which is available free of charge in hundreds of outlets around South East Northumberland, you will find information as to what is on in the region over the festive season, a gift guide, spacial offers and many more festive related features. We at ABC Magazines would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for a happy a prosperous New Year. Interested in advertising? Email info@yourabc.co.uk or call Richard on 07526 522272 All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor the editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other clause.
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FESTIVE EVENTS WHAT’S ON IN NORTH TYNESIDE THIS CHRISTMAS
18 November - 20 December
22 - 25 November
Saturday 25 November
This unique event is jam packed and is a full day experience. Follow the elves through the woods to see Father Christmas - who knows who you may meet on the way?! Mrs Christmas is trying to get ready for the big day but is ever so busy; she needs your help to be ready in time. Discover the magic of Christmas with the beavers and enjoy a festive show in the Christmas theatre. Plus as well as all of this, have a go on the snow tube, try some skating and meet the reindeer. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, tuck into some of the yummy food on offer. Children will receive a gift from Father Christmas when they visit and the grown-ups will also receive their own gift at the end of the day. The 2017 event runs every weekend from Saturday 18 November until Sunday 17 December plus Monday 18, Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 December. Tickets are priced £38 per person with tickets for children under 1 at £5.
Ashington Pantomime Group are pleased to announce performances of Aladdin will place from Wednesday 22 till Saturday 25 November at Northumberland YMCA commencing, at 7.00pm. On the Saturday there will also be a performance at 2.00pm as well as the 7.00pm show. Tickets are now available from the YMCA, on North View behind Station Road, at £3.50 an adult, £2.50 for a child and £3.00 for a concession. The panto has been provided with support from Ashington Town Council. For more information call 01670 857 167 (option 1).
The Christmas lights are officially switched on every year in the Market Place in November along with the celebrations of the Mistletoe Fair, held in the Town Hall. The Mistletoe Fair held in the Town Hall provides a range of gifts and crafts. Parents and grandparents can enjoy free mulled wine provided by Morpethnet, whilst the children enjoy the free kiddies’ roundabout situated in the Market Place. Light Refreshments are also available to purchase from the Town Hall throughout the day. The event is accompanied by Carol Singing and the Christmas Address. Ellington Colliery Band will be playing traditional Christmas carols on the Market Place. www.morpeth-tc.gov.uk/services/ christmas-lights
KIELDER WINTER WONDERLAND
Leaplish Waterside Park, Kielder Tel: 0845 155 1553 www.kielderwinterwonderland.com
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ALADDIN AT ASHINGTON
25 & 26 November
HEXHAM CHRISTMAS FAIR
Now in its 10th year, The Christmas Fair at Hexham is firmly fixed within the local social calendar. It boasts over 125 stands of Art, Crafts, Gifts and Food throughout the Leisure Centre and the huge indoor marquee. Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham Tel: 0191 2619632
MORPETH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TURN ON
CATCH SANTA IN HIS GROTTO!
At Northumberland County Zoo Open Weekends only Meet Santa & Mrs Claus/their helper Parents can accompany for photos Santa gives a lovely gift to every child who sees him Can do special pre-arranged visits during week – conditions apply. Pre-booking advised, phone on 01670787778 for more details. £5 per child Northumberland Country Zoo, Eshottheugh Farm, Felton, Morpeth Tel: 01670 787778 www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk
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ALADDIN AT CHOPPINGTON WELFARE CENTRE Throughout December
NORTUMBERLAND COUNTY ZOO’S WINTER WONDERLAND
From Saturday 25th November to Sunday 24th December, the Zoos tractor barn will be transformed in to a magical Winter Wonderland. With giant 18ft Christmas inflatables, Santa’s donkeys & all the other trimmings, Santa will be there every weekend to hand out lovely presents to all the good little boys and girls! Northumberland Country Zoo Eshottheugh Farm Felton, Morpeth Tel: 01670 787778 www.northumberlandzoo.co.uk
2 & 3 December
ALNWICK CHRISTMAS MARKET
A fantastic Christmas Market hosted in the historic market town of Alnwick. Held over two days, there will be fabulous local fresh produce, christmas gifts, treats and some entertainment. Come along for a mulled glass of wine and a wander around the famous market town. There’s plenty of unique gifts and perfect for last minute shopping. Alnwick Market Place, Alnwick
Saturday 9 December
NEWBIGGIN CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR For more info on booking call into the Centre or ring 01670 811951. Newbiggin Maritime Newbiggin-by-the-Sea
9 & 10 December
WOODHORN WINTER MARKET
Woodhorn’s annual Winter Market takes place in our beautiful Workshop Galleries. The Market features a fabulous selection of gifts, food and produce from some of the region’s finest makers, crafters and producers. Entry to the Winter Market and Museum is free, on-site parking is £3.50 per vehicle. The weekend will also include our Pityard Skating Rink* and Father Christmas Stable Grotto*, making Woodhorn Museum a fantastic choice for a memorable and festive family day out. *(additional charge and booking procedures apply, further details to follow). Woodhorn Museum, QEII Country Park, Ashington. Tel: 01670 624455
16 & 17 December
CHRISTMAS PENGUINS @ ALNWICK GARDENS
Lock up your fish! Meet Crumpet the Elf and his friends the penguin family. With a passion for fish these larger than life, inquisitive birds follow Crumpet wherever he goes. Interact with these beautiful creatures, give them a stroke and pose for a photo. Banter with Baby Egbertah and Urving Mackerel, the talkative fish supper: they are certain to put you in the festive spirit. Denwick Lane,Alnwick Tel: 01665 511350 www.alnwickgarden.com/whats-on/ christmas
This all-time classic family favourite comes to Choppington for one night only! Choppington Social Welfare Centre Fernlea Drive, Choppington Tel: 01670 820028
Various Dates - see below
CHRISTMAS IN SEATON VALLEY
The villages in Seaton Valley will be holding their annual Christmas lights Switch at each of the 5 villages in Seaton Valley during the last week in November and the first week in December. Earlier in the year they ran a Christmas light design competition with their First Schools, and the winning designs were chosen. Those winning designs have now been made into Christmas lights and will be displayed along with the lights from previous years. These lights and Christmas tree lights will be switched on by the competition winners at the switch-on events. They will have free hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and mince pies, festive music and of course Santa Clause will be joining them to talk to the children and watch the lights get switched on.
Dates:
Seghill: 24 November 2017 Seghill Institute Community Centre New Hartley: 25 November New Hartley Memorial Hall Seaton Delaval: 26 November Avenue Head roundabout Holywell: 1 December Milbourne Arms Car Park Seaton Sluice: 2 December St Paul’s Church Car Park All of the events start at 4.30 pm
LEMON CHRISTMAS COOKIES Perfect as gifts or a coffee time treat, however you choose to decorate them they’re sure to be a hit. Makes around 20. INGREDIENTS
250g plain flour 125g cornflour 125g caster sugar Grated zest of 1 large lemon 250g butter, softened 1 egg white freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon 200g icing sugar Christmas shaped cookie cutters 2 baking sheets lined with parchment Piping bag with a nozzle Ready to roll coloured sheets of icing
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METHOD
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) Gas 4. 2. Put the dry ingredients and lemon zest into a large mixing bowl and stir well. Add the butter and using your hands work the mixture into smooth dough. 3. On a clean, lightly floured work surface, roll the dough out into a large rectangle 3-4 mm/ 1/8in thick. 4. Cut out the shapes using the cookie cutters. Lay them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space for spreading between each one. 5. Bring the trimmed dough together and roll out again to cut as many cookies out of the dough as possible. Arrange on the baking sheet with the
other cookies. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until golden and firm. 7. Leave the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheets, and then transfer to a wire rack until completely cold. 8. Using your ready to roll icing, have fun decorating your cookies. 9. Lightly whip the egg white in a large mixing bowl and beat in the lemon juice and icing sugar. Transfer to the mixture to the piping bag and put the finishing decorative touches to the cookies as desired. 10. Leave to set, store between layers of baking parchment in an airtight container and eat within 3 days.
Ashington & District Male Voice Choir
Annual Christmas Concert With Guest Saturday 9th December St John’s Church, North Seaton, 7.00pm
Tickets £7 from ADMVC Members, St John’s Church, Al’s Superstore Ashington or Pay on the Door Refreshments available at interval Grand Christmas Raffle
ADMVC would like to thank everyone for their support in 2017. We wish all our Patrons, members and supporters seasons greetings and all the best for 2018.
Join us for Christmas Carols on Saturday 2nd & Saturday 16th December, 7pm at The Portland Hotel, Ashington Find us on
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FOR HIM
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JOLLY JUMPERS
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THEY’RE HERE TO STAY, SO MAKE A STATEMENT WITH YOUR FESTIVE KNITWEAR!
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FOR KIDS
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1. Burgandy Slogan jumper £28, Burton 2. Ice Ice Baby Jumper £30, Topman 3. Festive Pattern £14, ASDA 4. Too Cool Jumper, £14, River Island 5. Christmas Wrap Jumper, £30, Next 6. Elf OMG Santa, £18, M&Co 7.Reindeer Jumper, £9 M&Co 8. Jingle Sequin Jumper £35, Debenhams 9. Bah Hum Bug jumper, £22, SimplyBe.com 10. Rudolph Jumper, £34, Next, 11. Stripe Holly Jumper, £29.50, M&S 12. Filthy Animal jumper, £15, prettylittlething.com 13. Kissing Reindeer Jumper, £22, New Look 14. Penguin Pom Pom Jumper, £16 M&Co
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*Price correct at Sept 2017
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JOKES
CRACKING CHRISTMAS
WHAT DO YOU GET WHEN YOU COMBINE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH AN IPAD? A pineapple! WHAT DO YOU CALL PEOPLE WHO ARE AFRAID OF SANTA CLAUS? Claustrophobic. WHAT DO YOU CALL AN ELF WHO SINGS? A Wrapper! WHAT DO SNOWMEN EAT FOR BREAKFAST? Ice Crispies. HOW MUCH DID SANTA PAY FOR HIS SLEIGH? Nothing, it was on the house! WHAT DO YOU CALL FROSTY THE SNOWMAN IN MAY? A puddle! WHO HIDES IN THE BAKERY AT CHRISTMAS? A mince spy! WHAT DO ANGRY MICE SEND TO EACH OTHER AT CHRISTMAS? Cross Mouse Cards! WHAT’S THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT IN THE WORLD? A broken drum, you just can't beat it! WHAT DOES MILEY CYRUS HAVE AT CHRISTMAS? Twerky!
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CHRISTMAS COMES
EARLY FOR CHOIR
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local choir has had a very early Christmas present when The Ridley Family Charity awarded Ashington & District Male Voice Choir a grant to assist with the updating and adding to their music library.
Many of the choir’s pieces of music are upto 50 years old and are priced in shillings and pence but can no longer be held together with sticky type. Some of the old pieces are well known favourites even in today’s repertoire but the choir has also been bringing in more contemporary pieces which audiences enjoy. Unfortunately these are priced in £s which can prove expensive when 36 copies have to be bought. Choir Chairman, Bob Brind said that the members were delighted to have received this recognition and support from the Ridley Family Charity and that it would be of great benefit to the choir. Work has started on preparing for the Choirs Centenary Celebrations in 2016 and new music will be needed for the planned concert. The Choir is currently starting to work on the programme for its forthcoming Christmas Concert. This annual event is again being hosted by Holy Sepulchre Church Ashington and is on Saturday 13th December at 7-00pm. A varied programme is being developed which will include many festive favourites and the special guest will again be Anna Corcoran. Anna has had an exceptionally busy year and is delighted to be able accept the invitation to once again be the Choir’s guest. In 2013 Anna was nominated as Female Artist of The Year in the Liverpool Awards and her live performances have drawn large audiences throughout the North West and this is spreading to the North East now that she is living near Morpeth. Her latest exploit is appearing in the BBC’s ‘Moving On’ where she performs her single ‘The Show’. Obviously a guest well worth seeing. Concert tickets at £6 including a buffet will be available from choir members, Holy Sepulchre Church, Al’s Superstore Ashington and at the door. A busy time for the choir as there is also involvement in the North East Choral Spectacular in The Sage in April. The choir’s popularity continues to grow and new members are very welcome. A keen interest in singing is necessary but the ability to read music is not. Anyone interested can contact us through the website or just pop along to Ashington Community High School, Green Lane on a Thursday at 7-00pm and see a rehearsal. www.ashingtonmalevoicechoir.org
KEEP CALM at
Newcastle Community Acupuncture
Chaplins Gold Pantos Presents
The Children’s Pantomime!
Aladdin
Offering gentle, ethical, cost effective treatment Now open late To book a session
SUNDAY 10TH DECEMBER
182 Portland Road, Sandyford, NE2 1DJ
CALL 01670 820028
07808867280
www.newcastlecommunityacupuncture.co.uk
FOR TICKETS AND DETAILS Choppington Social Welfare Centre
Fernlea Drive, Scotland Gate, Choppington, NE62 5SS
Christmas at Holistic Health & Beauty New CND Shellac chrome nails! New Eyelash lifting! Sienna X Spray Tanning. Gift vouchers. Eve Taylor back massage and facial pamper package. 18 Clifton Road, Cramlington NE23 6TG 01670 733700 Info@holistic-health-beauty.co.uk www.holistic-health-beauty.co.uk
FOR HER
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Gift Guide IN NEED OF INSPIRATION? HERE’S A RANGE OF GIFTS AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL AND NATIONAL RETAILERS 6
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10. Bath & Body Gift Set, £14.99, Willow Home & Gift, Packhorse Yard Morpeth 01670 505988 11. Suede Mule Slippers £20, Accessorize 12. ICHI Clothing from a range at Eleven Boutique, The Old Church, Cramlington, 01670 737332 13. Pom Pom Hat £18, Topshop 14. Floral Photo Frame, from £16, Cath Kidston 15. Glitter Stiletto, £42, Wallis 16. Dermalogica Dry Skin Kit, £30, Beauty Spot Ravensworth Tce, Bedlington Station 01670 827 000 16. 17. Chamilia Bracelet, £65, Jewellery By Design, Station Rd, Wallsend, 0191 262 2687 18. Blossom Neckerchief, £8, Accessorize 19. Molton Brown Hand Cream Collection from £22, John Lewis 20. Embroidered Clutch Bag £22, Next
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1.Hooded Baby Bath Towels From 12.99, Babythingz, Whitley Road, Benton 0191 2661190 2. Geordie Bib, £8.99, Willow Home & Gift, Packhorse Yard Morpeth 01670 505988 3 . Fox Hat & Mitten Set £12 M&Co 4. Paint Your Own Plates £10 - £20, Hotpotz, Whitley Bay 0191 280 8181 5. Cot Mobiles, From £20.99, Babythingz 6. Mickey Racer Set, £13, Debenhams 7. Chad Valley Wooden Doll Crib & Blanket, £18.99, Argos 8. Sleep Suit, £18, Monsoon 9. My Little Pony 20 Inch Plush, £24.99, Argos 10. Gingerbread Man Kit, £5.50 Debenhams 11. Slippers, £8, Flying Tiger 12. Personalised Nutella Jar, £5.50, Debenhams
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5 1. Lyle & Scott T-Shirt £25, Mitchells Menswear, Whitley Bay 0191 2525277 2. Helios Sport 10X25 Binoculars £19.99, Fotosnaps Wallsend 3. John Rocha Dressing Gown, £55, Debenhams 4. Football Team Golf Gifts from £9.99, ZFL Golf, Unit 8d, North Tyne Industrial Estate, Whitley Rd, Benton, NE12 9SZ 0191 270 2362 5. Waterproof Camera from £60, Debenhams 6. Golf Practice Aids from £4.99, ZFL Golf (as before) 7. Shave Kit, £10, Debenhams
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Range of baubles
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Letter to Santa Cushion, £12, Next Ceramic Tile with easel, £12 Emily Ward Art, www.ewardart.co.uk Local Themed Cushions, from £14.99, Redbubble, Visit: goo.gl/M93Uhd Santa Taxi Snowglobe, £15, Paperchase
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from £4 at John Lewis
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Discover the Independent retailers of Packhorse Yard
Newgate Street, Morpeth, NE61 1AW
LARGE SELECTION OF ANTIQUE SILVERWARE & JEWELLERY
NEW ITEMS ARRIVING DAILY
EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW OR EXISTING SMALL BUSINESS Due to the on-going success of Morpeth’s exclusive retail development, Pack Horse Yard, two of our retailers have expanded and moved on to larger units. If you have a great idea for a new business just in time for Christmas, or are an established business looking to try a town centre location, low rent and no long leases
Contact us now for further details
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Your Local Independent Model Shop Gifts • Model Rail Accessories Model Kits • Diecast GIFT VOUCHERS NOW AVAILABLE
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e l e v e n B O U T I Q U E
Located in the heart of the Old Village in Cramlington, eleven stocks exciting, hard to ďŹ nd global labels including NU Denmark, Mos Mosh, Silvian Heach, ICHI, and Waven Denim along with quality local brands Northburn Home Fragrance and Rose Mae Jewellery, all at high street prices. We only stock styles in small quantities, oer a fantastic service and we’re always on hand to give personal style advice if required. Follow us facebook / Eleven instagram @whoswearingeleven twitter @elevennortheast global labels / boutique service / high street prices
eleven boutique the old church cramlington village ne23 1dn tel: 01670 737332 19
OH NO THEY DIDN’T!
CHECK OUT THE SPECTACULAR PANTOMIMES ON THIS YEAR... 2nd December – 7th January
1st – 9th December
WHITLEY BAY PLAYHOUSE
SEATON DELAVAL ARTS CENTRE
CINDERELLA
X Factor Finalist and West End performer Ray Quinn will headline this year's pantomime, Cinderella, playing the part of Prince Charming, the lovable prince who rescues Cinderella from her Ugly Sisters at Hardup Hall. Welcome to the world of fairytales, where poor Cinderella is doomed to live unhappily ever after with her two horrible Ugly Sisters. Cinderella manages with the help of her “silly” friend Buttons, played by PLAYHOUSE favourite Steve Walls, and a “magical” Fairy Godmother to make all her dreams come true! Watch with amazement as her pumpkin and white mice are transformed into a beautiful coach and horses in this true rags to riches story. Prices: Check website for prices Box Office: 0844 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk 20
DICK WHITTINGTON Pantomime Society present Dick Whittington. Join Dick and his magical feline friend on an enchanting adventure as they run away to London to seek fame and fortune. But it won’t be plain sailing with the dastardly King Rat out to thwart him at every turn. With some help from good friends including Sarah the Cook and Idle Jack, will Dick win the day? From the team behind last year’s hit Cinderella, Seaton Delaval Pantomime Society present the perfect panto for the whole family to enjoy, packed full of all of the usual show-stopping songs, dazzling dance routines and hilarious knockabout comedy with bags of audience participation and fun. Prices: Adults £10.00, Children £9.00, Family £34.00 Box Office: 0191 237 5460 seatondelavalartscentre.com
2nd - 10th December
CINDERELLA
PHOENIX THEATRE, BLYTH Poor Cinderella has to run around after her two very ugly sisters. Life’s a bit miserable, even though her friend Buttons tries to cheer her up = but everything changes one night when the fairy sends Cinderella to the Grand Ball. As the clock strikes midnight and romance is in the air, someone loses a glass slipper – but who is it? Join the Prince as he sets out to find the stunning mysterious girl who bewitched him! With beautiful sets and costumes, enchanting music and lots of laughter, The Phoenix Theatre celebrates 40 years of family photos with the most famous pantomime of them all! Prices: £13.50 and £12.50 Box Office: 01670 367228 www.thephoenixtheatre.org.uk Continued on page 22
£14.95
per person
The Cherry Tree Bar & Grill Riversdale Avenue, Stakeford, NE62 5JZ
THE CHERRY TREE
Tel: 01670 853380 Cherry Tree Bar & Grill 21
Continued from page 20
5th – 14th January
Tuesday 16th – Sunday 21st January
TYNEMOUTH PRIORY THEATRE
WHITLEY BAY PANTOMIME SOCIETY, WHITLEY BAY PLAYHOUSE
HANSEL AND GRETEL Hansel and Gretel are brother and sister who adventure deep into the woods to collect blackberries to help their poor Aunt. On one of their journeys they are kidnapped by a witch living deep in the forest in a house constructed of cake and confectionery. The two children save their lives by outwitting the witch who gets her just desserts! Full of fun, comedy routines and laughter, this is family entertainment at its best. Prices: Adults £7.50 Children & Seniors £6.00 Box Office: 0191 292 9292 www.tynemouth-priory-theatre.com 22
SNOW WHITE
Mirror mirror on the wall, this is the must-see panto of them all! Featuring plenty of glitz and glamour along with thrilling musical numbers and remarkable sets and costumes, this is panto at its very best! Yes boys and girls, that's right, it can mean only one thing, WBPS are back! Taking to the stage for their 54th consecutive pantomime and for the first time in their history they're introducing us to SNOW WHITE. Hi-ho, Hiho, it's off to Playhouse Whitley Bay we go to join regular favourites and new faces as we bring to you a pantomime that might be full of little people, but won't be short of laughs. A pantomime bursting with great songs, fantastic dance routines and plenty of laughter, this is a tremendous treat for all the family that you won’t want to miss! Meet Snow White and her one true love, Prince Richard, as they pit their wits against Snow's aunt, Queen Lucretia, who may not be the fairest of them all - but she is certainly the most wicked! Prices: £13 & £48 for a family of four. Box Office: 0844 248 1588 www.playhousewhitleybay.co.uk
KIDS MENU at The Cherry Tree
MAIN COURSE £3.95 2 COURSES £4.95 (includes drink - Fruit Shoot or Cordial)
Monday - Friday 12pm to 5pm
KIDS EAT FOR £1
WITH EVERY ADULT MEAL
One £1 Kids meal per full price adult meal. Not in conjunction with any other offer
The Cherry Tree Bar & Grill Riversdale Avenue, Stakeford, NE62 5JZ
THE CHERRY TREE
Tel: 01670 853380 Cherry Tree Bar & Grill
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LOCAL ADVERTISING FEATURE
STUNNING NEW LOOK FOR CHERRY TREE BAR & GRILL These are tough times for the English local pub, with many closing and others hanging on by the skin of their teeth. However, one local venue is bucking the trend, and it is refreshing to see investment and ambition in equal measures.
S
eptember saw the opening of the newly refurbished Cherry Tree Bar and Grill in Stakeford, with Punch Taverns investing £280,000 in a complete refurbishment of the popular local, and the results are stunning.
The Cherry Tree is still very much a family business, with the Turner family now in their 15th year of running the popular local bar. This investment is testament to how well the pub is doing, and is a mark of the ambition of both the family and the brewery to take the pub forward. The new look contemporary bar / diner is open plan and has a natural flow. The design has been well thought out and gives the whole venue a modern yet warming and welcoming feel to it. The dining room and conservatory cater for up to 100 diners and, when those areas are full, customers can also dine in the newly transformed bar area. To go with the new look there is also a brand new menu, a contemporary twist on good honest pub grub! The menu is packed with a range of burgers, grill, salads, sandwiches and sharing platters. Whilst the menu has been freshened up, it is still full of traditional favourites, like the popular All-Day Breakfast, the Whitby Scampi, Beer Battered Cod and Cumberland Sausage and Mash. The Cherry Tree are pleased to announce a number of special offers, including 2 main courses for £12 (Monday to Friday 12-6), as well as 2 for 1 on desserts when you buy 2 main courses. Just so the younger ones aren’t left out, the ‘Kids eat for £1’ offer is another fantastic deal and is available with a full paying adult up until 5pm. The Christmas Fayre menu has just been launched, and is available from mid-November, with 3 courses only £14.95 and, for those of you who are organised, early bookings are being rewarded with a free bottle of Prosecco!
The drinks range has also been updated, with real ale favourite Doom Bar proving a very popular new addition. The new look games room boasts a championship standard darts board and a new pool table. The bright and airy room also has a large screen TV, showing most sports events on Sky Sports and BT Sport, and they even have a ‘Soundjack Jukebox App’, where you can control the jukebox via your smart phone! The Cherry Tree have a ladies darts team and a men’s pool team, and offer free pool every Monday night.
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TO GO WITH THE NEW LOOK THERE IS ALSO A BRAND NEW MENU, A CONTEMPORARY TWIST ON GOOD HONEST PUB GRUB!
The pub will continue to host their twice weekly quiz nights on a Sunday and Tuesday evening, with prizes and a free supper! Saturday nights are always popular at the Cherry Tree, and now they have Acoustic Saturdays, with live entertainment featuring some of the best local artists. Next year they will be taking the live music one step further, with an acoustic music festival in the summer. The cider fest will also be returning in August 2018. With a stunning new look, a mouth-watering new menu, and a calendar packed with exciting events, what more could you want from a local! To keep updated with food and drink offers, live music nights, sporting events and much more, visit the Cherry Tree Facebook page. The Cherry Tree, Riversdale Ave, Choppington NE62 5JZ. Tel: 01670 853 380
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0191 237 6868 26
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CHOPPINGTON SOCIAL WELFARE CENTRE
• Monday Evening Dance
• Card Craft Class
Come along on a Monday 7.00pm till 10.00pm & meet a very friendly group of people who will offer you a warm welcome & help you improve your dancing step by step.
• Pilates
Do you want to learn to dance or maybe you can dance a little but want to improve?
• Community Choir
Thursdays 7.00 till 9.00pm. Come along if you have an interest in joining a Choir.
• Junior Line Dancing Class
Saturday 5.00 till 6.00pm. Learn how to Line Dance to traditional music or dance to the latest pop music.
Thursdays 6.00 till 8.00pm. Learn how to make cards to impress family & friends that will also help save you money Monday & Thursday 6.00pm till 7.00pm Come along & enjoy this popular way to get fit
• Computer Drop in Session
Wednesday 1.00 till 3.30pm. Come along and one of the group will help you or find out what it is you want to know.
• Carpet Bowls
Every Wednesday 7.00 till 9.30pm. Joyce & Alec are looking for new members to come along & enjoy the company of their bowls group.
For more information on these groups & all the other activities taking place in the Centre
Phone 01670 822028 & ask for Neal Email: neal@choppington.org
www.choppington.org Fernlea Drive, Scotland Gate, Choppington NE62 5SS 27
Yuletide TRADITIONS
FEW OF US COULD PICTURE CHRISTMAS WITHOUT THE TREE, THE STOCKINGS AND PRESENTS OR THE BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED TREE, BUT IS THIS HOW WE HAVE ALWAYS CELEBRATED CHRISTMAS? LET’S EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS AND SEE HOW CHRISTMAS TIME AS WE NOW KNOW IT CAME ABOUT.
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8 C
an you imagine a world where Christmas was banned? Where the army was employed to patrol the streets and arrest anyone found eating Christmas dinner, singing carols or decorating their home? It might sound extraordinary today, but this is what happened in England in the 17th century. Holly and ivy decorations, along with mince pies and other traditional festive treats were confiscated,
and from then on the possession of them was a criminal offence! Even midnight mass was outlawed. The parliament at the time, led by Oliver Cromwell, believed the celebrations were against their principles of hard work and solemn, simple living. At the time of these measures, the Christmas celebrations ran throughout the 12 days of Christmas. Such was the country’s passion for the festival, pro-Christmas riots followed the ban. However, it was nearly 20 years before the full traditional Christmas was restored, and only when Oliver Cromwell was overthrown!
THE ROAST TURKEY
Today, the centrepiece of our Christmas dinner is usually a roast turkey. Although it is now commonplace, partly due to its size and ability to feed a large family gathering, it used to be so expensive it was only eaten by the wealthy. As recently as the 1950’s, chicken and beef were equally popular, until freezing and new farming methods helped make turkey the food of choice for most homes. The turkey’s popularity may be relatively recent, but the tradition of some kind of festive fowl is rooted in our history. This is mainly due to the fact that both domestic and wild fowl were at their best at this time of year, well-fed and tender. Back in the 18th century, a peacock or goose may have been at the heart of the feast, and even swans were still being eaten in Norfolk at the turn of the 20th century.
with decorated llamas. Here, children ask for blessings and gifts are exchanged before a village feast commences. In Mexico children take part in 9 processions from December 16th to Christmas Eve. Children carry lanterns and knock on people’s doors, singing sings about Mary and Joseph asking for somewhere to stay. They are turned away many times, before finally being given a positive answer, which is celebrated with a party and fireworks.
FATHER CHRISTMAS
It’s almost impossible to imagine Christmas without this jolly looking fellow in his red and white costume. For many children, Father Christmas is the most significant figure of the festive season. As the present giver, he also represents generosity of spirit and helping others, and his red and white suit has now become recognisable all around the world. However, he has previously been seen in many different guises, and just a few hundred years ago, Father Christmas would have been represented in a green costume. The ghost of Christmas present in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol wears a long, fur-lined green robe. The red suit that we are familiar with today was popularised by an American illustration for a Coca Cola advert from 1930’s, and many people believed that was the origin of the costume. However, illustrations of a red and white Santa were around earlier than this, and many people believe that the colour scheme has its roots in the religious robes worn by St Nicholas, a Greek Christian from the 4th century. It is widely believed that Father Christmas and Santa Claus originated from different traditional figures that have now been blended together.
CHRISTMAS FESTIVALS & PARADES
Christmas processions and carnivals may not be common in Britain, but they are popular in many forms throughout the world. In Finland, the build-up to Christmas is carnival season, and little Christmas, or ‘pikkujoulu’ in Finnish, involves singing, dancing and many games. Ecuador has a tradition of processions on Christmas Day itself. Farming families from the mountains walk down to gather in the main ranch,
Continued on Page 30 29
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Continued from page 29
THE GIVING OF PRESENTS IS THOUGHT TO COME FROM THE STORY OF ST NICHOLAS, WHO USED HIS MONEY TO HELP THE POOR
THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Decorating the Christmas tree is a favourite family activity across the UK, but the practice as it stands today only became popular during Victorian times. It is often said that the German born husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, brought the European tradition to Britain when he decorated a tree at Windsor Castle in 1841. The tradition was already well established in Nordic countries, and there are records of trees being part of Christmas celebrations as far back as 1510. The candles, which have now been replaced with fairy lights due to the rick of fire, are said to represent the stars twinkling on a Winters night. In truth, it is likely that bringing some kind of evergreen tree indoors, whether it was a yew, fir or pine, was an established tradition before Christmas existed. During the Winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, which falls around the same time as Christmas, people would bring evergreen branches into the home to represent hope and the return of warmer weather and longer days. Today in the UK, we are still bringing a tree in to the house every year and decorate it with baubles, tinsel and fairy lights, but in other countries decorations take a different form. In the Ukraine it has become common to decorate the tree with fake spider’s webs. This idea came from a story about a poor widow who couldn’t afford decorations for her tree, but on Christmas morning her tree was covered in spider’s webs, which were glittering in the sunlight. In Argentina Christmas falls in the middle of Summer but, as snow is still seen as a symbol of the festival, trees are decorated with fake snow made of cotton wool! 30
GIVING PRESENTS
Father Christmas giving presents to children is thought to come, in part, from the story of St Nicholas. Born in to a wealthy family, he used his money to help the poor. Hanging up a Christmas stocking is said to originate from a story about him providing a dowry for three poor girls, which was placed in a shoe or a stocking. In many Scandinavian countries children still leave out their shoe to be filled with presents. This tradition has been adopted in the Philippines where children leave clean socks and polished shoes on windowsills in the hope that Santa will bring them sweets and toys.
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Many of our traditional Christmas customs have their roots in folk and religious stories from thousands of years ago, but sending Christmas cards only started in Victorian England. Prior to this time, reading and writing were not such common skills, and the postal service wasn’t very good! The first commercially cards are said to have been created in England by Sir Henry Cole, a business man who asked artist John Calcott Horsely to print a thousand black and white images of a happy family raising their glasses to toast. These images were then coloured in and sold. Although these were reputedly criticised for encouraging drinking alcohol, the idea quickly spread to America, and soon cards depicting robins, holly and snowmen were being mass-produced. In the UK we now send around a billion Christmas cards each year, although, these numbers and beginning to fall as technology takes over from paper cards, and people send their greetings via Facebook, eCards, etc.
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All work we undertake is at fixed fees: Single Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney: £300 inclusive of VAT Double Property and Affairs Lasting Power of Attorney (suitable for couples): £420 inclusive of VAT Single Will: £120 inclusive of VAT Mirror Will: £156 inclusive of VAT It is imperative that specialist advice is taken in order to ensure that the power given accurately reflects your wishes. Call Crichton Wills Trusts & Probate on 01670 514772 and speak to a specialist adviser today who will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have and offers a free no obligation appointment in the comfort of your own home.
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Did You Know?
2
UND THE CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS FROM ARO
WORLD
Danish people open their presents and eat their celebratory dinner of duck, pork or goose on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day.
In some Mexican cities they celebrate the Night of The Radishes, on December 23rd. The humble radish is carved into nativity figures, with the winning examples being displayed in cities central plazas. In Venezuela it has now become popular to attend church on Christmas Day on roller skates. This modern tradition is said to have begun due to traffic problems, but quickly turned in to a fun part of the celebrations. In the capital city of Caracas, hordes of people roller skate through the streets to morning mass.
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In Greenland it is a long standing tradition for the men to serve the women their evening meal on Christmas Eve. This tradition even extends to the washing and clearing up! Christmas wasn't declared a national holiday in the United States until 1870. In Japan there is a growing tradition of visiting KFC on Christmas Day. This reportedly comes from a long-standing advertising campaign by the company, offering a chicken and wine dinner at the fast-food chain as a substitute for turkey, which is often not available from any other outlet!
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Danish Christmas dessert is a rice pudding served with a fruit sauce. A whole almond is hidden inside, and the finder of it receives an extra present, called the almond gift.
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Christmas Cocktails TOAST THE SEASON WITH THESE FESTIVE DRINKS
NO ALCOHOL EGGNOG Serves 6
4 eggs, beaten ✴ 4tbsp caster sugar ✴ 1tsp ground allspice ✴ 150ml vanilla syrup ✴ 400m1 full-fat milk ✴ Cinnamon sticks, to decorate 1 Put the eggs and sugar in a bowl and whisk until combined. Add allspice, vanilla syrup and milk; whisk until combined. Cover with clingfilm; chill for 30 minutes. 2 Whisk again. Strain into glasses. Add cinnamon stick, if using. Top with nutmeg.
HOT BUTTERED RUM Serves 1 1 cinnamon stick ✴ 1 long strand of lemon rind ✴ 60m1 dark rum ✴ Hot water, to top up the glass ✴ A pinch of ground cloves ✴ A small knob of butter 1 Tie the lemon rind around the cinnamon stick. Place in a heatproof glass and add the dark rum. 2 Pour in hot water, add the ground cloves and top with butter, allowing it to melt on the surface before stirring in. Serve immediately. 36
SNOWFLAKE MARTINI CHRISTMAS COOKIE Serves 1 ✴ 2 oz. vanilla vodka ✴ 2 oz. Godiva white chocolate liqueur ✴ 1 oz. white creme de cacao ✴ 1 oz. full fat milk ✴ Lemon wedge ✴ Sugar
Serves 2 ✴ 2 gingerscuits, crushed ✴ 60ml peppermint schnapps ✴ 30m1 Kahlua ✴ 90ml Baileys ✴ 60ml Amarula ✴ Ice cubes
1 Cut a half-inch slit into the lemon wedge and rub it around the rim of the glass. Pour sugar into a shallow dish then dip the rim in the sugar to coat evenly. Gently shake off excess sugar. 2 Add the vodka, chocolate liqueur, creme de cacao, and milk into a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain mixture into glass. 3 Serve immediately, and enjoy with your favorite seasonal tunes next to a toasty fireplace!
1 Place 2 martini glasses into the fridge and chill for 30 minutes. 2 Place the crushed ginger biscuits onto a saucer. Pour a small amount of cold water onto a separate saucer. To decorate the chilled glasses, dip the rims into the water, then into the biscuit crumbs. 3 Place the peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, Baileys and Amarula into a cocktail shaker. Top up with the ice cubes, shake well and strain into the martini glasses.
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LINZERTORTE COOKIES
Linzertorte cookies, originating from Linz in Austria, are famous and traditional European Christmas pastries. The combination of spices has a very distinctive and delicious smell and taste. Makes 15 cookies
INGREDIENTS
200g plain flour 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 1⁄4 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 125g unsalted butter, at room temperature 180g golden caster sugar zest of 1⁄2 a lemon zest of 1⁄2 an orange 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract raspberry jam (approx. 15 small teaspoons)
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C (fan)/gas mark 4. Lightly grease 2 or 3 baking trays and line with parchment paper. // Sift all the dry ingredients (except the caster sugar) together into a bowl and set aside.// Cream the butter, sugar and zests together for 1–2 minutes, until light and fluffy. // Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until combined. // Add the sifted dry ingredients and beat on a low speed until the mixture forms a soft dough. // Wrap in cling film and rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. // Place the dough on a flat surface lightly dusted with plain flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to approximately 3mm in thickness. // Using a cookie cutter such as a heart, star or circle, cut out an even number of cookies. // On every second cookie, using a smaller cookie cutter of the
same shape, cut out a piece from the middle. // Put them carefully on to the lined baking trays, ensuring they are at least 2cm apart. // Bake until the edges turn golden brown or they are firm to touch in the middle. This will be approximately 8–10 minutes. // Let the cookies cool completely before sandwiching them together with raspberry jam.
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RISTMAS? ECT CH PERFson, WHAT IS THEBy Irene founder of The Happiness Company Ander
P
icture the scene, snow gently falling outside, carols playing, smiling children playing with presents beside a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The smell of a delicious dinner is cooking, and family members smiling and happy. It`s the perfect Christmas day. AND... fingers snapped - we are back in the real world!
Now forgive me if your Christmases are always like that, you can stop reading this article if that is you. This article is for the rest of us, who don`t ever manage the perfect Christmas that the advertisers would have us believe can be ours if we just buy enough presents, have the perfect table setting, co-ordinate every bauble on our tree, or buy enough food to feed a small nation. Oh and, of course, have the perfect family who all get on swimmingly together! For a lot of us, Christmas can be a really stressful time, where already stretched budgets have to stretch even further, where we are often stuck with family members who don’t get on, and the expectation of everybody being happy and getting what they want. Plus, shopping for, cooking, and serving up a mouth-watering MasterChef style Christmas dinner, can push us to melt down. Here are a few things that have helped me to manage Christmas without the meltdown:
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT
Accept that things will go wrong! You might burn the sprouts, drop the potato croquettes, forget where you have carefully hidden presents. Accept it. Make a joke of it. Try and see it as a situation comedy on television. After all, the world will not end.
DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO
Now here’s a radical thought. You can do whatever you like. You could have an Indian Banquet or go out to a restuarant for your Chritmas Lunch and not cook at all. You could have a ‘bring and share’ meal. You can agree on a small budget for presents or decide not to buy for adults and instead donate the money saved to help
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those with nothing at this time of year. You don’t have to buy into the hype.
DELEGATE
If you ARE having Christmas with all the trimmings, then give everyone a job or task. This takes the burden off one person and, if everyone has contributed to the day, there is less likelihood of people complaining.
YOU ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYONE ELSE’S HAPPINESS
You are not a magician and you don`t have a fairy wand, so if people are grumpy or difficult after your best efforts then realise that you can`t fix that. It`s their problem. Imagine an invisible power shield around you protecting you from their bad vibes.
DO A TRADE OFF
Do something for you that then makes any stresses of the day more bearable. For example, if I can go to church on Christmas morning and have a good old sing of Carols then I feel okay about the rest of the day. Or maybe you decide Boxing Day is going to be for you, to do what you want.
HAPPINESS IS NOT ABOUT STUFF
Be grateful for everything that you have. Gratitude is a short cut to happiness. Before you write a list of things you want for Christmas, take some time and write down everything in your life you are grateful for and have already.
ESCAPE
Take time for you. Go for a walk, lock yourself in the bedroom and have forty winks. Take five or six really deep breaths, count in for 4 and out for 7. It`s a great de-stressor.
THINK BEYOND YOURSELF
Service to others less fortunate is a wonderful way to actually feel the magic of Christmas and move beyond the “getting and buying” mentality. Think about what you could do to make someone else`s Christmas better, and inevitably yours will be too.
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Festive
ENTERTAINMENT We all have our Christmas Day memories from when we were growing up, whether it be presents we gave or received that we still remember fondly, or Christmas dinner with the whole family. Another big part of these memories for most of us was either settling down as a family to watch a Christmas Special on TV, or dusting the cobwebs off the collection of board games and recapturing your competitive edge. To help you re-live some of those happy memories of Christmas Day’s gone by, here are a selection of classic Christmas DVD’s, and some of the most popular board games, all available from all good retailers, and all the perfect way to spend some family time together on the big day.
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AS ISTM CHR COLLECTIONS DVD
PORRIDGE SERIES 1-3 & CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
All 20 episodes of the classic sitcom, starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, set in Slade Prison feature in this Special Edition. Small-time career criminal Fletcher (Barker) takes first-timer Godber (Beckinsale) under his wing to show him the ropes, all the while trying to get one over on officious prison officer Mr Mackay (Fulton Mackay). As well as each episode, the collection also includes the 1975 and 1976 Christmas specials.
THE TWO RONNIES THE COMPLETE BBC CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
All the Christmas specials from the comedy sketch show that, in its heyday, was as much a British institution as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Double act Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker, aka 'The Two Ronnies', perform their trademark sketches, 'drama serials', musical routines and rambling monologues before finally signing off with their famous catchphrase, 'It's goodnight from me', 'And it's goodnight from him'.
ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE THE 1996 & 1997 CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
The quintessential explosive pensioner Victor Meldrew features here in a collection of Christmas specials. Good will to all men be damned, it's a day like any other for Meldrew and, as such, as good as any other to moan eternally and get everything off your chest. In Victor Meldrew, One Foot in the Grave brought us one of the greatest characters in the history of British situation comedy. David Renwick's multi-award winning creation spawned a catch phrase--"I don't believe it"--that vocalised the sentiments of the perennially disgruntled, the irritated or the plain bewildered. Christmas is no different to any other time of the year for Meldrew, and trouble still follows him everywhere.
ONLY FOOLS AND HORSES THE CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
The 2001, 2002 and 2003 Christmas specials of the hugely popular BBC series about the wheeler-dealer Trotters, starring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. In 'If They Could See Us Now...!', Del-Boy (Jason) and Rodney (Lyndhurst) return after a five-year break for more dodgy dealings and unlikely antics. Thanks to a Central American stock market crash, the boys have lost their millions and their fancy Monte Carlo lifestyle, and are now back on their old stomping ground, trying to make ends meet like everybody else. Then follows ‘Strangers on the Shore’ where Del and Rodders are bankrupt again and take their money making ideas all the way to France, and ‘Sleepless in Peckham’ where the due face eviction from Nelson Mandela House after 22 eventful years and end up at the centre of a kidnapping scandal!
MORECAMBE & WISE - CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
Morecambe and Wise are one of the most popular and enduring double acts from the golden age of television. With viewing figures constantly in the tens of millions, their Christmas specials became a national institution. Running from 1969 until 1977, the BBC Christmas shows were usually on Christmas Day. These classic sketches revolved around famous guest stars, such as Eric Porter, Fenella Fielding, Ann Hamilton, Peter Gushing, Glenda Jackson, Andre Previn and Des O'Connor, being made fun of by Eric and Ernie. The 1977 Christmas Show attracted 28 million viewers, around half of the total UK population. It was a record for a single light entertainment broadcast in Britain, and one which still stands. This collection contains the best of Eric and Ernie's festive fun. Sit back and enjoy classic British TV comedy at it's best!
Continued on Page 44 43
BOARD GAMES CLUEDO
A classic whodunnit game which starts with the murder of reclusive millionaire Samuel Black’s in his own mansion. Now it’s up to you to crack the case. Question everything to unravel the mystery. Who did it? Where? And with what weapon? Ransack the mansion for clues, ask cunning detective questions and leave no card unturned. Solve the murder first to win. Great fun for all the family!
JENGA
Want a game experience that combines friends, skill, suspense, laughter, and maybe a little luck? The Jenga is for you! It is the perfect game for everyone, with edgeof-your-seat, gravitydefying action. Do you dive right in and pull your block, or take your time and study the stack? Classic Jenga starts with 54 blocks delicately placed in a stack, and it takes skill, strategy, and of course a little slice of luck to keep on pulling blocks out of the stack without it toppling over! Gather your friends together, throw in a lot of laughter and a little attitude, and get the Classic Jenga party started.
GUESS WHO?
It’s the flip n' find face guessing game you know and love, with more choices than ever. Set up and play in seconds. Narrow down your guesses with yes or no questions like, “Do you have brown eyes?” or “Are you wearing a hat?” Once you have the answer, make your guess. Use the two character sheets included or go online to download even more characters. Then slide the sheet of characters into the game tray and guess away.
MONOPOLY
Own it all as a high-flying trader in the fast-paced world of real estate. Tour the city for the hottest properties: sites, stations and utilities are all up for grabs. Invest in houses and hotels, then watch the rent come pouring in. Make deals with other players and look out for bargains at auction. There are many ways to get what you want. For really speedy dealers, use the speed die for a quick and intense game of Monopoly. So get on Go and trade your way to success. Now available in a multitude of Special Editions – we say stick with the original!
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TRIVIAL PURSUIT MASTER EDITION
Think you know it all? For the trivia buff who loves to show the world just how smart they are, Trivial Pursuit Master Edition includes 3,000 all-new questions that will challenge even the savviest Trivial Pursuit player. With classic Trivial Pursuit game play and a timer to keep up the pace, the race is on to find the Trivial Pursuit master. For the most competitive of players, the Master Edition brings 'traditional' Trivial Pursuit right up to date.
SHOWERING IN COMFORT AND SAFETY
If you want more safety and comfort in your bathroom, you don’t need to compromise on first-class design: we can offer you a bathroom range which impresses both ergonomically and aesthetically in equal measure.
Tel: 0191 296 4929
Tyne Tunnel Trade Park, Narvik Way, North Shields, NE29 7DE
www.domanibathrooms.co.uk 45
KEEP THEM GUESSING
One of the most brilliant things about opening a present is the element of surprise. But some gifts are more difficult to disguise than others. Here are some tips on how to keep people guessing right till the end:
Wrap
THAT’S A
FOLLOW THESE HANDY GIFT WRAPPING TIPS AND YOU WON'T JUST BE REMEMBERED FOR THE GIFTS YOU CHOOSE BUT THE BEAUTIFUL WAY YOU WRAP THEM TOO.
IT’S ALL IN THE PREPARATION
The better prepared you are, the more efficiently you can wrap. Here are a few ideas that will save you time and hassle: Find a smooth surface where you can spread out. A large table is much easier to work on than a bed or the floor. Store everything you need in one place to save you having to hunt around the house looking for stuff. Keep the proper gift wrapping tools handy, such as scissors, tape or tape dispenser and string or cotton thread to measure your gift box and work out how much wrapping paper you will need. Stock up on gift wrapping materials such as wrapping paper, Tissue paper, ribbon and gift tags. Keep boxes that you accumulate through the year and use them to put gifts in. Use any extra scraps of wrapping paper to make a bow. It will add a little touch of flair, plus you’ll have less to clean up! Comic strips, fabric, festive or themed magazine pages can be a creative alternative if you run out of wrapping paper. Curling ribbon is a great time-saving alternative to handmade bows. It’s relatively inexpensive, so you can curl dozens of strips of it to decorate a present and make it look festive. 46
Gift vouchers Hide a gift voucher in an item that wouldn’t ordinarily be considered a gift, then wrap it as beautifully as you can. Who wouldn’t be surprised to unwrap the prettiest gift under the tree and discover that you’ve given them a brick, a phone book, or a box of cereal? Of course, the best bit will be the look on their face when they uncover the hidden gift voucher. Perfume Buy a cute stuffed animal and dress it in an article of doll’s clothing that has a pocket. Tuck the bottle of perfume into the pocket and wrap the stuffed animal as usual. You can also find a cute bear with reposition-able arms and wrap the gift in matching paper. Bicycle Wrapping a bicycle is not an easy task. So instead, try wrapping a miniature bicycle in a small box, and include clues to where you’ve hidden the real thing! An amazing present and a fun game all rolled into one! Another option is to print out a picture of the bicycle with clues as to where you’ve hidden it. Attach a piece of a matching coloured card slightly larger than the printout of the bike. Place the printout in a box and wrap the gift in a nice matching paper and ribbon.
FOR THE MUSICIAN
If you know someone who’s serious about their music, why not use sheet music to wrap up their gifts? You could even cut out a large musical note on black paper and use it as the gift tag. Alternatively, you can wrap concert tickets, CDs and other music-related gifts in a poster of their favourite group or artist.
FOR ADVENTUROUS TYPES
Get creative with the family. A nature walk is an amazing opportunity to discover and gather all sorts of treasures: pinecones, acorns, leaves, twigs and fir clippings. When you bring them home you can glitter or paint them and use double sided tape to attach them to parcels. Alternatively, by not painting them, you can achieve a more natural, rustic look.
GET CREATIVE! ✩ Tie a whisk on a set of mixing bowls or a magnifying glass on an Atlas. ✩ Use Christmas ornaments to add festive appeal to your Christmas presents. ✩ Tie up parcels with a colourful scarf.
✩ Collect from nature. Garden and parks are full of colourful leaves, greenery, berries or pinecones which you can use. ✩ Greeting cards covered with pictures, or words cut from magazines can be turned into uniquely creative gift tags.
The
3D Cakery
Cakes made for all occasions
Let us create that special cake for that special occassion Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings etc. Cake Decorating Equipment & Consumables. Cake Boards, Cake Boxes, Icing, Food Colouring etc.
The 3D Cakery Hirst Yard, Viewlands, Ashington, Northumberland, NE63 9AF
Tel: 01670 812852
www.the3dcakery.co.uk
margaret@the3dcakery.co.uk 47
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